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Apple wants to make games that are as good as books or movies…
As we head into the last few hours before Apple Arcade launches on September 19, the iPhone and Mac maker has published some testimonials from a small number of developers building games for its platform.
Let the games begin
What’s interesting about all the titles – or at least, this particular set of testimonials – is an accent in Apple’s messaging that seems to favour the idea of games as art, with a subtext on how games can improve lives.
That’s quite a different approach, and it will be interesting to see if Apple can deliver on these promises.
Even the opening paragraph of Apple’s report (which you can read here and below) talks about the games as titles “years in the making”.
“The developers behind them have woven artistry, curiosity and a lot of heart into a curated selection of diverse, fresh games,” it says.
Then it goes into a series of short stories about the games. These are very much worth a look (I’ve pasted them in below), but reading the descriptions the following phrases caught my eye:
- “Parents that used creativity to shield them from the violence and danger around them.”
- “Created the game as a method of finding calm..”
- “Make something beautiful”.
- “I want games to reach the place where people discuss them as if they’re books or movies.”
The inference (at least to me) has to be that Apple’s vision for Arcade gaming is to try to raise the bar on what games do. Or promise to do so.
We’ll find out in a few days if the promise matches delivery.
Here’s what Apple said:
“The Enchanted World”
In “The Enchanted World,” players take on the role of a fairy who uses puzzles and challenges to piece back together her collapsing world. For creators and friends Ivan Ramadan and Amar Zubcevic, both 33, the game is much more than that: It’s a metaphor for a child growing up in a time of war. Both Ramadan and Zubcevic grew up in Sarajevo during the conflicts in the Balkans in the 1990s, and both had parents that used creativity to shield them from the violence and danger around them.
“Sarajevo was under siege for four years,” says Zubcevic. “There was no electricity … there was no running water, you had to go to a well … and we would go with [our parents] and help them carry back containers — it was a game for us, helping them.”
Out of those childhood memories, “The Enchanted World” was born. The game, published in conjunction with developer Noodlecake, features the music and folklore of the Balkans.
“Our game is about all those children who, with their endurance and imagination, can create those magical worlds for themselves and their friends, even in the worst of circumstances,” says Zubcevic. “That’s why their world is enchanted, and why I think that we can always do one better than what came before.”
“We wanted to make this a peaceful game and a fairytale,” says Ramadan. “We hope kids and their parents can enjoy it together.”
In Borderleap’s “Patterned,” players color intricate puzzle pieces and arrange them to complete a satisfying canvas. Nate Dicken, 43, the solo developer behind the outfit in Blacksburg, Virginia, created the game as a method of finding calm. The varied patterns were sourced from 15 designers around the world — 14 of whom are women. Nate created “Patterned” exclusively for Apple Arcade.
“The App Store made it possible for me to have a platform to do what I do,” says Dicken, who has designed more than a dozen iOS games in the last seven years. “I wouldn’t have built this game if it weren’t for Apple Arcade.”
“Overland” is a post-apocalyptic road trip adventure game from Finji, co-founded by Adam and Bekah Saltsman, 37 and 38, respectively. The couple, who live in Grand Rapids, Michigan with their two young sons, modeled “Overland” after a mishmash of their favorite classic board games, books and films. Players drive west across a rapidly deteriorating United States, rescuing survivors, scavenging for supplies and occasionally inviting a stray dog along for the ride.
What drives Finji’s creativity? Adam and Bekah credit the company’s commitment to quality of life.
“I want people to have full lives and I want people to make games,” says Bekah. “So whatever we need to do to make that work, we will do that. If my team wants to have kids — how much time do [they] need? I want to work with these friends and make something beautiful with them.”
“Card of Darkness”
In “Card of Darkness,” players solve card-based challenges that feature hand-drawn characters with a sense of humor. Solo developer Zach Gage, 34, teamed up with legendary animator Pendleton Ward to bring this game to life.
Gage has spent his life making video games and art. When the first iPhone was released, he saw an opportunity.
“I looked at [iPhone] and said this is an art platform,” says Gage. He designed and released his first game, “SynthPond” in the fall of 2008 — one of the first games on the App Store. Since then, Gage has designed more than a dozen iOS games.
“I want games to reach the place where people discuss them as if they’re books or movies,” says Gage, who sees the Apple Arcade business model as freeing for developers. “I didn’t have to spend time thinking, ‘How do I fit ads into this?’ I just got to work with incredible artists and make incredible art — Apple Arcade is letting me do that.”


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The leader in culinary innovation and cocktails rewards the most successful franchisees at the biennial summit
Orlando, Florida (RestaurantNews.com) Another broken egg coffee recently held its biennial summit for franchise owners and company staff, honoring several brand teams for their hard work and accomplishments over the past two years. The innovative full-service breakfast, brunch and lunch franchise has come together to celebrate its continued momentum in opening new cafes and increasing sales, which has caught the attention of many multi-unit operators new and existing who grow and excel with the business.
âAnother Broken Egg Cafe was able to quickly bounce back from all of the challenges of 2020 thanks to the dedication and creativity of our teams, both at the support center and in our cafes,â said Paul Macaluso, President and CEO from Another Broken Egg Cafe. . âIt is an honor to celebrate so many of our franchisees who have exceeded their sales targets, opened up new markets, demonstrated our company values ââand achieved new levels of success in their communities. “
The award recipients included Franchisee of the Year Stuart Ottinger of OPG Holdings and top sellers such as Turan and Sheryll Strange in Pooler, Georgia. The Stranges, which opened their first cafÃ© in 2018 after more than 25 years as franchisees in the fast food industry, were recognized for having recorded the largest increase in same-store sales this year, at over 62%. Their experience, coupled with Another Broken Egg Cafe’s growing AUVs, solid ROI, and creative menu and cocktail innovation, has been a dynamic combination.
Various other experienced operators have expanded into new markets for Another Broken Egg Cafe. Jeff Sturgis, Director of Development, said: âOur brand is an attractive investment opportunity for multi-unit operators and those with restaurant experience. They recognize that the high-end breakfast and brunch segment has become one of the fastest growing segments in the industry and that Another Broken Egg Cafe has the culinary creativity and proven business model to enforce it. benefit.
In addition to awards and recognition for sales and operational excellence, Another Broken Egg Cafe has recognized several franchisees as âTrailblazersâ for being the first to introduce the brand to new markets in 2020 and 2021, including :
- CR Restaurants, LLC – Gilbert, Arizona. Seasoned operators Steve Christensen and Reid Richard used their experience as owners of concepts such as Five Guys, Dunkin, and Taco Bell to launch Another Broken Egg Cafe in Arizona.
- EOS Ventures, INC – Williamsburg, Virginia. With prior experience as an IHOP franchisee, the team behind EOS Ventures broke new ground in Virginia this year, opening that state’s first Another Broken Egg Cafe in June.
- Eleven-Eleven Enterprises, Inc. – Overland Park, Kansas. First-time franchisee Britney Valas spearheaded the brand’s launch into the Kansas City market with her extensive experience in marketing, sales and management.
Specializing in Southern-inspired breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu options and handcrafted creative cocktails, Another Broken Egg Cafe currently has 77 locations and is looking to expand into U.S. markets significantly. with plans to reach more than 200 cafes open or in development by the end of 2026, the company is actively seeking single and multi-unit operators to drive growth. Interested applicants should visit www.anotherbrokeneggfranchise.com or call 407-440-0450 for more information.
About another broken egg cafe
Another Broken Egg of America Franchising, LLC is an upscale breakfast, brunch, and lunch restaurant that specializes in award-winning Southern-inspired menu options with innovative touches and signature cocktails. Another Broken Egg CafeÂ® is one of the nation’s fastest growing day-only franchise concepts, with over 75 locations in 14 states and dozens more in development. With over 25 years of experience in the daytime cafe category, the company was honored in July 2021 by Franchise Business Review as one of its top 30 food franchises to own based on survey feedback from existing franchisees. FSR Magazine named Another Broken Egg Cafe its 2020 Franchise Brand of the Year, and FSR Magazine ranked Another Broken Egg Cafe among its top 10 full-service restaurant franchise offerings for 2019. The brand is well positioned. for further growth with a new prototype, redesigned menu and bar of future initiatives designed to generate additional sales and profits for individual cafes. For more information on franchise opportunities, please visit unefranchiseautrebrokenegg.com.

domain: news


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Home ›› 18 Feb 2023 ›› Nation
Nursery owners of Gazipur’s Sreepur upazila are making lucrative profits as sales pick up surrounding the celebrations in February.
Sreepur’s flower growers and traders expect around Tk 50 lakh worth of flower sales in February centring the three occasions of Spring Festival, Valentine’s Day and International Mother Language Day.
The demand for flowers increases exponentially during these celebrations, keeping both flower growers and vendors busy with ensuring the flow of supply as per demand.
Commercial cultivation of various types of flowers is increasing in different areas of the upazila as modern farming methods make cultivation easier.
Florists said that despite the surplus supply of flowers, the prices have also increased by a significant margin.
Humayun Kabir, the owner of Faruk Nursery in Telihati union, said the demand for roses, flower crowns and garlands spikes during the Spring Festival and Valentine’s Day. Recently, gerbera flowers are also in demand as a hair accessory.
“However, some seasonal retailers sell flowers for double, or triple the price trying to make a quick profit. This damages the industry’s image to the buyers,” he said.
Abul Kalam, the owner of Maa-Babar Doa Nursery in the Dombarichala area, said “Many growers are losing interest in flower cultivation as it is losing market against plastic flowers. We have to compensate for the whole year with these occasional sales boosts.”
The prices have increased in the last two weeks in the upazila. Last week the prices of roses increased from Tk 20-30 to Tk 50-70 in retail shops. While it was being sold for Tk 40-50 at a wholesale rate.
Gladiolas are being sold for Tk 800-1,000 per 100 pieces, marigolds for Tk 200-250 per 100 pieces, roses of different colours for Tk 800 per 100 pieces, tuberose for Tk 50 each, a bundle of dahlias for Tk 80-100, and gypsy flowers for Tk 70 each bundle.
Ready-made flower garlands are being sold for Tk 150-200, while the price of custom orders varies depending on the flowers used. The prices of ready-made medium-sized mixed-flower baskets are Tk 400 while a bouquet of various flowers is Tk 300-350.
During a spot visit to the flower shops of different unions of the upazila including Barma, Maona, and Kaoraid on February 14, this correspondent found them to be overcrowded with people celebrating the spring festival.
Many flower enthusiasts were interested in buying potted flower plants as a gift for their loved ones. After the first wave of sales for the month, nursery owners are currently busy preparing for the next celebration of International Mother Language Day.
Nature lovers are also picking flower farms as travel destinations to spend quality time with their loved ones. Cashing in on this trend, some flower farmers are charging visitors a small fee to roam around their farms. This has also worked in their favour as advertisement and boosted sales.
The proprietor of the famous tulip garden Moumita Flowers in the upazila, Delwar Hossain said he grows different sorts of flowers but his tulip farm has gained popularity in the last two years.
“I expect a good amount of sales throughout the month. The number of visitors has also increased recently. We sell flowers as well as potted plants at wholesale and retail prices,” he added.
He added that he received a positive response from retailers who bought tulips from him to sell at the market.
Rahim Uddin, a flower seller in the Maona Chowrasta area, said “I made a profit of Tk 20,000 on Tuesday. I expect higher sales next Tuesday as more wreaths will be sold on that day and they are of a higher price than garlands.”
Ariful Islam, the owner of Sabuj Nursery in the Joina Bazar area, said the flowers are sprayed with fungicides and other chemicals to extend their shelf life and prevent losses for the traders.
“As the prices are increased during special occasions, we made a good profit last Tuesday. I expect over Tk one lakh worth of sales next week,” he added.
Sreepur Upazila Agriculture Officer Sumaiya Sultana Banna said flowers have been cultivated on 4,000 hectares of land in the upazila this season.
“Roses, marigolds, dahlia and Indian shots are among the most commonly cultivated flowers in the upazila. The soil and climate of Sreepur are suitable for flower cultivation,” she said adding that the agriculture office is cooperating with the farmers to boost production.


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TRANSAX has released a new version of the FlexPort ToolKit. FlexPort enables developers to easily integrate payment processing (credit card, debit card, ACH / e-check, remote deposit capture (RDC), etc) into their applications. With the latest release, a new PERL component has been added.
"PERL is one of the oldest web based technologies that is still in use today," explains Matthew J. Schwartz, President of TRANSAX. "And now PERL developers can easily integrate points of payment."
Additionally, the new release contains an updated Android JAVA class, and a new VB.NET WinForms example.
- VB.NET 1.1
- VB.NET 2.0
- Classic ASP
- Microsoft Access
- 4D/4th Dimension


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A ruling from the California Labor Commission is that at least one driver at Uber driver is its employee. The startup had been sued by Barbara Ann Berwick, who filed a claim earlier in the year when she said she was not paid for work she had done. It is through that lawsuit that the California Labor Commission has come to decide that Uber is not solely a software company meeting consumer demand.
As Cisco Live is such a popular show, its third-party vendors are announcing their new products. As those third-party vendors depend on Cisco for their own businesses, they want to make sure the Cisco Live show continues to be successful. That is why they unveil products at the launch event and before it starts.
Now startup’s mobile app can be run as SaaS, using the Xcopy billing subscription model. This technique also applies to web applications and desktop software. By allowing your mobile app this new opportunity, you can start to sell your app in current marketplaces. That presents a new revenue stream. As well, with Xcopy you get analytic data about your app to help you improve its scalability.
The newest funder for the startup Luvo is the NFL star Russell Wilson. Luvo focuses on the area of frozen food. Interestingly, Wilson is the second major athlete to back the startup. The frozen-food company Luvo offers entrees in a range of sizes. The foods include burritos and pizzas. They are being sold by big retail outlets, including Kroger. The leader is Christine Day, who was previously the CEO of Lululemon.


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Audi's first electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) will hit showrooms four weeks later than planned because of a software development issue, a... ...http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INtechnologyNews/~3/WoJhy2m9sI4/audis-electric-suv-faces-four-week-delay-because-of-software-bug-idINKCN1MV0CM
Volkswagen AG's China venture with SAIC Motor Corp Ltd has started building a $2.5 billion new energy vehicle (NEV) plant in Shanghai, which will... ...https://auto.ndtv.com/news/saic-and-volkswagen-start-work-on-2-5-billion-china-plant-in-audi-pivot-1934519
German premium car brand Audi, a division of Volkswagen, said it was fined 800 million euros ($927 million) on Tuesday for violations tied to... ...http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/auto/miscellaneous/german-prosecutors-fine-audi-800-million-euros-for-diesel-violations/articleshow/66239939.cms
Volkswagen said on Tuesday its subsidiary Audi would not contest an € 800-million fine issued by German prosecutors over “deviations from... ...https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/audi-to-pay-800-m-fine-in-germany-over-diesel-engine-cheating/article25236051.ece
New Delhi: Listing of unboxed cars, i.e. owned for less than two years, are seeing an impressive growth on OLX, as per the second edition of the... ...http://www.sify.com/finance/shorter-car-ownership-cycles-new-car-launches-and-rising-aspirations-give-rise-to-unboxed-cars-news-auto-skpmWgfjhcbbd.html
Addresses and phone numbers of Audi...
Veys Audi Center is a leading Audi...
Audi launched Q7 its most powerful...
audi r8 car
Wholesale Audi DVD Player,Audi GPS...


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Dubbed Lycos Asia, the co-owned company will create country-specific versions of the popular US-based portal. Lycos (LCOS) will offer services such as Web navigation, the Lycos search engine and online communities. Localized content is also included, and the sites will be presented in the region’s language.
New portals in Singapore, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and India are expected to be live by the end of the year.
“We expect Lycos Asia to be the Internet front runner through rapid rollout of high-quality local sites throughout the region,” said Brigadier General Lee Hsien Yang, Singapore Telecom’s president and CEO.
SingTel will manage the day-to-day administration of the sites from its new headquarters in Singapore.
“By teaming with SingTel, a communications giant in Asia, Lycos dramatically strengthens its position in the global portal race bringing our localized presence to 24 markets around the world,” said Bob Davis, president and CEO of Lycos, Inc.
Davis added that SingTel’s ability to provide content and support through its subsidiaries was a significant factor in its decision to partner with the telecom. SingTel’s Singapore Post, National Computer Systems, SingTel Internet Exchange will provide delivery processing, back-end e-commerce support, and bandwidth.
Lycos has a similar JV deal with German publisher Bertelsmann AG for localized sites in 11 European countries. In Asia, Lycos previously formed a company with Sumitomo Corp. and Internet Initiative Japan for its Japan portal, and in Korea with Mirae Corp.
Lycos plans to enter Latin America later this year.
The Singapore Telecom Group holds interests in 55 ventures in 19 countries. SingNet, SingTel’s ISP subsidiary, currently leads the Singaporean market with more than 250,000 subscribers.
Goldman Sachs estimates that the Asia Pacific Internet market will increase from 20 million users in 1999 to more than 60 million users in 2003. Regional e-commerce business is expected to reach $35 billion by 2002, according to IDC.


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Enterprise Holdings is seeking to reinforce its commitment to the highest standards of cleanliness in the car rental industry.
The company has announced the implementation of its Complete Clean Pledge program across the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands.
The pledge includes the company’s car rental operations, as well as its truck rental, vanpooling, corporate fleet management, retail car sales, carsharing and vehicle-subscription services.
“Employee and customer safety are our top priority,” said Chrissy Taylor, Enterprise Holdings chief executive.
“Today and every day, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness in the industry.
“Following guidance from health authorities and in partnership with the travel industry, we at Enterprise Holdings are taking additional measures to build on our already rigorous cleaning protocols.
“We want customers to feel confident their vehicle is clean and sanitised each and every time they rent.”
As part of the Complete Clean Pledge, Enterprise Holdings expanded and is relaunching its cleaning protocols.
Employees are being trained to implement the new and more comprehensive cleaning mandates for their protection, and for the safety and service of customers.
These mandates include enhanced cleaning guidance for vehicles, shuttles and branch locations, as well as social distancing practices.
In addition to new signage throughout rental locations and lots indicating updated rental processes, customers will soon begin seeing Complete Clean Pledge notifications within their rented vehicles confirming they have been thoroughly cleaned.
This includes washing, vacuuming, general wipe down and sanitising with a disinfectant that meets leading health authority requirements, with particular attention to more than 20 high-touch points.
In response to the COVID-19 health crisis, Enterprise modified its services to protect customers and employees while remaining open to meet critical transportation and personal mobility needs as an essential service provider.
These offerings include curbside rental transactions, as well as delivery at some locations, to help best serve customers while minimising foot traffic in locations.


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The PlayStation Vita may have followed the PSP, but Sony isn't planning on a successor to it due to the rise in mobile gaming.
News - Page 3
Comcept was supposed to launch a demo of Mighty No. 9 this week as an apology for the game being delayed into 2016. Unfortunately, that is being delayed as well.
Xbox announced Lara Croft is getting her own Xbox One bundle for the holidays, and it will include Rise of the Tomb Raider and Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition.
Hideo Kojima and Guillermo del Toro would've been joined by horror manga artist Junji Ito in the now-cancelled Silent Hills game. Thanks again, Konami.
After effortlessly killing thousands of Covenant and Forerunner soldiers throughout the years, Master Chief has supposedly died according to this Halo 5 commercial.
Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Siege is joining the growing list of first-person shooters that have forgone solo story campaigns to focus on multiplayer.
I dare you to try watching this Five Nights at Freddy's fan film alone in the dark (see what I did there) with your headphone volume cranked.
Twitch CEO Emmett Shear announced all kinds of changes coming to the video game streaming service, and PlayStation consoles are finally getting their own set of dedicated viewing apps.
Activision revealed that Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 won't have a campaign mode on PS3 and Xbox 360 — it's not like most COD players would've noticed.
The AAA franchise wheel continues to turn as 343 Industries' leaders revealed they're already working on Halo 6.


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With the pandemic impact on the economy subsiding and pre-pandemic regularity slowly coming back, technology firms are facing a major setback. How does it impact you? The exuberance of a pandemic induced growth of tech companies and startups is facing a harsh reality check. Netflix is losing subscribers in hundreds and thousands, Zoom’s stock price is down over 80% from the pandemic highs, the nearly invincible Amazon announced its first loss since 2015 as sales slowed, costs rose and its investment in electric vehicle company Rivian wiped out profits. Start-ups now talk about real profits Even startups with dizzying valuations like Uber are talking about showing real profits. Closer home, TechEd unicorns...
More like thisRelated
Industrial automation and robotics have been increasingly finding their space. But, at the same time, they are facing a massive talent shortage.
How the rising demand and sales of electric vehicles in India are boosting the production of lithium-ion batteries in the country.
How is metaverse shifting the focus from mobile to wearables and spurring the growth of AR and VR?
Global IT spending and investment in artificial intelligence are bound to surge, and it will eventually fast-track the digital transformation.


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Many industrial mineral markets are bracing themselves for a
challenging year in 2015, after prices for refractory, chemical
and pigment minerals saw out 2014 on a flat-to-weak note.
There was scant optimism for refractory grade
chromite as stagnant demand and increasing reclamation activity
continue to take a toll on prices.
Iodine producers, meanwhile, may take cold
comfort from predictions that prices will not go below $25/kg,
although margins are already either strained or non-existent in
For energy minerals, graphite is making the best
of a broadly flat market outlook, but lithium ended the year on
a high with prices regaining ground lost during a lull in the
battery demand hype at the beginning of Q4.
Rare earths, however, were just beginning to
settle when China revealed that it plans to increase taxes on
the minerals next year - a move that is likely to further spook
already jittery downstream buyers.
In other markets, kaolin and calcium carbonate
producers have been increasing list prices as they look to
cover rising operating and logistics costs.
Ceramic minerals - Imerys raises
Kaolin and ball clay
Imerys Ceramics North America announced in early
December that it plans to raise prices for US-produced ball
clay and kaolin products by 15% from 1 January 2015, or as
The hike in kaolin prices is double that
announced by rival suppliers, including US-based KaMin LLC,
which announced in early November that it will raise prices for
its paper and industrial grade kaolin products by 5-7% from 1
December, and its Brazilian affiliate company, CADAM SA, which
said it would simultaneously introduce increases of 6-8% for
paper grade kaolin.
Germany-headquartered chemicals company BASF also
said in November that it would increase its industrial grade
kaolin prices globally by up to 7%, with immediate effect.
Imerys said that the price increase "supports
investment in manufacturing, quality systems, maintenance,
environmental compliance and new product development".
The company also reiterated a warning it issued
in an earlier price increase announcement for its North
American calcium carbonate products, that customers should
expect to see costs rise due to volatile and increasing local
rail and truck freight rates.
Chemicals - iodine won’t
crash, antimony might
Prices for trioxide grade antimony ingot fell
victim to further declines after standard grade II material
dropped by $50/tonne in mid-December, to
IM’s prices for
antimony ingot (99.65% min) have been revised down to
$8,750-8,950/tonne from $8,900-9,000/tonne on an FOB China
basis. Prices for antimony trioxide (typically 99.5%
Sb2O3, 20 tonne lots) currently stand at
$7,700-7,900/tonne FOB China.
The price of iodine is unlikely to fall below the
$25/kg mark, industry observers have told IM,
despite indications that the market was sinking further at the
end of 2014.
IM’s prices for
iodine crystal (99.5% min, drums) stand at $31-37/kg on a
contract basis and at $31-35/kg on a spot basis.
Sources told IM in December that
antimony trioxide prices were flat, as the market for the flame
retardant chemical remains stagnant.
A report by Metal Bulletin said that
antimony ingot prices reached at their lowest point since
mid-2010 towards the end of last year and that it is unclear
where values will go from here, as prices are already below
China’s Fanya Exchange has been
credited with mitigating the fall in prices as it took material
out of the market to bolster its own reserves. The bourse is
now reported to have ceased buying antimony, however, and is
adopting new rules after an official probe into its market
For iodine, reports in late November suggested
that Chilean prices for the mineral had fallen to less than
$30/kg as a result of weak demand coupled with aggressive
marketing from suppliers, although this was thought to be
limited to very large contract orders.
One US-based market analyst told
IM they expected prices would slip into the
high $20s/kg range, but thought it was unlikely values would
fall much further.
Another source, whose company buys iodine from
Chile, said they thought the market would bottom slightly below
$30/kg in the next year, before rising to settle around
In Asia, iodine prices from Japan remain higher
than those in Chile while prices in India for re-exported
iodine are reported to vary, with prices of $29/kg or less
cited for some contracts.
Energy minerals - on the level as prices
Natural graphite prices are expected to remain
flat in 2015 with the potential for marginal increases in some
grades, delegates at the 4th IM Graphite and
Graphene Conference in Berlin, Germany, heard in December.
Prices for synthetic graphite have also levelled
out, with industry participants tentatively suggesting that
prices for electrodes have now bottomed and should see some
recovery in line with an improving global steel market next
Prices for lithium hydroxide (LiOH) and lithium
carbonate were reported to have increased slightly at the end
of November, following a period of gradual decline which began
in the middle of 2014.
Sources reported that lithium spot prices had
improved but that demand had not increased significantly,
saying that consumption remains strong but steady.
IM’s prices for
lithium hydroxide (56.5-57.5% LiOH, large contracts, packed in
drums or bags, del. Europe or US) have been increased to
$7.5-8.5/kg from $7.2-8/kg.
Prices for lithium carbonate (large contracts,
del. continental US) have been raised to $6-6.5/kg from
The Chinese government’s proposal to
impose new resource taxes on rare earths is likely to add
premiums to future contract prices for the minerals as
suppliers seek to incorporate the additional costs, market
Plans announced in November for a 22% tax on
light rare earths and a 35% tax rate on heavy rare earths from
ionic clays in southern China are expected to be passed in the
coming months as the country seeks to claw back revenue from
China’s resource tax on light rare
earths, including bastnaesite and monazite ores, has been at
Chinese renminbi (Rmb) 60/tonne ($9.60/tonne*) since April
2011, with tax on medium and heavy rare earths amounting to Rmb
Taxes aside, dysprosium traders were reported to
be restricting the flow of material to the market in late
November the hope of pushing up prices. Prices for dysprosium
oxide (99% min) were reported to be $240-250/kg on an ex-works
China basis, while FOB prices stand at $320-375/kg, and
remained within these ranges towards the end of the year.
Weak physical demand for rare earth minerals
continued to characterise the wider market, meanwhile, with
most prices flat or declining marginally in December.
Praseodymium-neodymium oxide compound prices were said to have
weakened slightly to around $44/kg in line with soft
the neodymium-iron-born (NdFeB) magnet
In a keynote presentation delivered at the
IM meeting in Belin, Stephen Riddle, president
of US-based Asbury Graphite Mills, said that there is more than
enough worldwide production capacity to meet demand for most
grades of flake graphite today.
"The battery market isn’t here yet,
in terms of demand growth," he said and urged junior graphite
developers to use "realistic" price projections to assess the
economics and profitability of their various projects.
Gerry Hand, vice president for marketing at
Superior Graphite, said that pricing for flake graphite has
been "basically flat" in the last year and is likely to remain
stable or increase slightly in 2015.
He said that despite the current global
oversupply situation, there is still room for an additional
30,000 tpa of "good quality, reasonably priced graphite" in the
market, preferably from less risky Chinese sources.
analyst, Andy Miller, said that while the industry continues to
face pricing challenges linked to oversupply and flat demand at
weak levels, near term consolidation in Chinese supply and
longer term growth from batteries for the electric vehicle
market offer some justifiable hope of the market achieving
sustainable price levels in the coming years.
For lithium, one US source speculated that the
recent decision by FMC Corp. to increase its list prices for
LiOH and lithium carbonate from 1 December had prompted
producers to try introducing higher offers into the market and
that these will have been accepted by buyers as there is not a
great deal of slack in the supply market.
Industry reports also suggest that Chinese buyers
may have upped orders to tide over manufacturing during the
Christmas period, although this theory has been questioned by
others who said that buying activity in China remains weak.
News that construction of Tesla
Motors’ lithium-ion (Li-ion) Gigafactory in
Nevada, US, is running approximately a year ahead of schedule
has also stirred some interest in the lithium market towards
the end of the year, although the completion date for the
facility is still set for 2017.
In the current rare earths trading environment,
Chinese dysprosium prices were reported to be continuing their
positive trend in December, which began at the beginning of the
previous month, after the launch of a dysprosium contract on
China’s Fanya Exchange on 31 October created a
frisson in the market.
Speaking at the 10th International
Rare Earths Conference in Singapore in November, Scarlett
Zhang, vice president of the Fanya Exchange, said that the
bourse had no plans to list any more rare earths in the near
The prospect of increased volatility in 2015 is
likely to quell already lacklustre demand further, as
downstream consumers prefer to use substitute technologies than
be at the mercy of supply uncertainty.
China is expected to announce its export plans
for the first half of 2015 at the turn of the year.
Mineral sands - zircon recovery six
Prices for zircon are not expected to rise for at
least the next six months, sources told IM at
the beginning of December.
Prices for standard grade zircon (min 65.5%
ZrO2, bulk) stand at $1,080-1,100/tonne on a CIF
China basis, while premium grade material (min 66.5%
ZrO2, bulk) is priced at $1,050-1,150/tonne CIF
Industry insiders canvassed by
IM said that currently published price ranges
for zircon are "ballpark correct", but that they see no
prospect of a market recovery until at least the middle of
"It’s a tough time for many at
present," one Australia-based source said.
In September, IM published
analysis by Roskill Information Service which
suggested zircon markets were on track to stabilise and begin
to recover by the end of 2014, although this was not expected
to lift prices immediately.
Earlier this year, sources told
IM that zircon prices were being undermined by
substitution and thrifting of zircon by downstream
Buyers are also reported to be
angry that miners appear to have been using
zircon prices to recoup losses sustained on sales of other
mineral sands such as rutile and ilmenite.
Oilfield minerals - Indian barite prices
The government of Andhra Pradesh in India has
cancelled 32 barite (barytes) mining leases that were issued in
Mangampeta, Kadapa district in 2004 and has said that fresh
licences will be issued by global tenders.
Sources contacted by IM said
that Indian barite prices are expected to jump by 30% once
tenders to mine barite in Andhra Pradesh have been completed
next year, although no material is expected to be mined before
Indian newspaper The Hindu reports that
the value of Mangampeta’s barite reserves stands
at INR 500bn ($8.07bn) and that the cost of 'A
grade’ material from the deposit is around INR
4,457/tonne ($72/tonne) at site, with an export selling price
of INR 9,112 ($147/tonne) FOB Chennai.
IM’s prices for
OCMA/API grade material currently stand at $110-150/tonne FOB
Chennai, depending on grade.
One US source told IM in
December that Indian barite was "completely off the table" and
that it was unclear how the situation would develop.
Barite prices increased by an average of 70%
following the last Indian tender in 2011. If contracts to mine
barite in Andhra Pradesh are put out to global tender as
suggested, India could see an influx of international miners
into the sector, which could increase competition and force
down the price of barite, although growing demand from the oil
and gas industry is likely to support the market for drilling
Refractory minerals - crunch time for
Refractory and foundry grade chromite prices are
set to face challenging market conditions in 2015, market
insiders have told IM.
Prices were reported to have softened in the
fourth quarter of 2014, with further weakness expected in the
IM’s prices for
foundry grade +47% Cr2O3 material (dried,
1 tonne big bags, FOB South Africa) and 45.8% min
Cr2O3 material (wet bulk, FOB South
Africa) have been revised to $300-380/tonne from $340-420/tonne
and $280-340/tonne from $280-360/tonne, respectively.
Refractory grade 46% Cr2O3
material (wet bulk, FOB South Africa) has been adjusted to
250-280/tonne, down from $300-330/tonne.
One global supplier of non-metallurgical grade
chromite said that they had observed price decreases in Europe,
Asia, South America, China and Australia.
"The situation is tough everywhere at the moment.
Our global customer base are all reclaiming
and switching to greener alternatives. Investment
in mining is at an all-time low and foundries are
not busy at all," they said, adding that demand
was almost 50%
down on previous yearly averages in 2014.
"In general, it will be a very tough market in
2015," the source said.
One North American source said that their
negotiations suggest that prices are currently stable, although
they explained that they were only selling limited inventory in
a few regions.
Sources disagreed over market conditions in
India, with some reporting low consumption which they believe
is likely to be a permanent market adjustment, while others
said that demand is likely to recover from the present weakness
in foundry and refractories.
Full information on all
IM’s prices can be
found on the IM Prices Database
For fluorspar and graphite prices, please visit the IM Data
mineral tracker pages at
*Conversions made December 2014


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January Titles Capitalize on Gift Cards, Returns19 Oct, 2006 By: Thomas K. Arnold
Snakes on a Plane
The fourth quarter has barely gotten underway, but already studio DVD marketers are eyeing January as a potentially lucrative time slot to release films that either broke theatrically too late for a pre-Christmas release, or were purposely held back to avoid the fourth-quarter clutter.
Granted, January doesn't have as much appeal as it did just a few years ago, when Christmas brought millions of new DVD households eager to feed their new machines. DVD players have become nearly as ubiquitous as VCRs, and buy rates have dropped now that the novelty has worn off. That's why no fewer than eight new theatricals with box office grosses of more than $50 million have been pushed into December, including Buena Vista's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (Dec. 5), the year's No. 1 movie, and $100 million-plus earners Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, from Sony Pictures, and 20th Century Fox's The Devil Wears Prada, both arriving in stores Dec. 12. Paramount's Jackass Number Two hits Dec. 26.
And yet, what's known as the “fifth quarter” will still likely be packed with high-profile theatricals, studio marketers say, primarily because of the flourishing gift-card business. A January 2006 Accenture survey of more than 500 consumers found 82% of them had either given or received a gift card during the preceding holiday season, and this year promises more of the same.
The first theatrical to drop into January is New Line's camp horror film Snakes on a Plane, due Jan. 2 — nearly five months after its theatrical bow. Other likely January releases include Sony Pictures' Open Season and Gridiron Gang, and Buena Vista's The Guardian.
“We have experienced much success with early January releases, particularly Wedding Crashers,” said Matt Lasorsa, New Line's EVP of marketing. “Specifically, we secure great merchandising in a less-cluttered environment and benefit from consumers who are exchanging holiday gifts and using gift cards for new purchases.”
At the beginning of this year, New Line released Wedding Crashers Jan. 3 and wound up selling 8.3 million DVDs. A similar strategy was employed in previous years by Universal Studios, which scored big with early January releases of American Wedding in 2004 and American Pie 2 in 2002.


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Infant formula maker a2 Milk Company shares rocketed 13% Monday after speculation that Nestle is considering a takeover of a2 Milk, closing at $6.68. The a2 share price has been volatile for some time, with prices down two-thirds over six months. The ASX declined to comment on any pending price query but said when sudden price movements were recorded, it would issue a query asking if the market was fully informed. A2 Milk declined to comment on the share price movements, saying it won’t discuss rumours.
A2 Milk shares is among top 10 shorted stock with 6.57% of its register shorted according to an industry website. There was speculation that the large price jump for a2 shares recorded Monday was ‘short covering’ with a number of funds being squeezed. A2 milk shares were under pressure in late July due to increased regulatory risk, and with the Chinese government making it increasingly difficult for product to access the market, consolidation would seem to be on the cards.


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Chinese billionaire Jack Ma appeared to be safe amid concerns about his well being after prolonged disappearance from the public view.
The Alibaba Group co-founder addressed an online gathering of 100 teachers on Wednesday, in his first public appearance since October. The conference is organised annually by Jack Ma who is a former English teacher to recognise the achievements of rural teachers.
The rumours about his fate were put to rest with his reappearance months after his online insurance business came under the scrutiny of Chinese anti-trust regulator.
The appearance was first highlighted in a local blog and later confirmed by international news agencies. The internet tycoon has shunned the limelight after Chinese regulators halted the planned initial public offering (IPO) of fintech giant Ant Financial, strengthened fintech regulations and launched an anti-trust investigation into Alibaba.
During his address to the teachers, the entrepreneur said that the event is usually held in southern Hainan's Sanya region but had to be conducted online this year due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Jack's troubles with authorities began after he publicly criticised China's regulatory system in a speech in Shanghai late October in 2020 leading to the suspension of Alibaba's $37-billion IPO.
Alibaba Group reportedly confirmed that Jack participated in the Rural Teacher initiative event on Wednesday. The 50-second video depicted the former Alibaba executive chairman dressed in a navy blue sweater. He spoke directly to his audience from an undisclosed location.


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UK: Asda defends Wal-Mart royalty payments
Asda stood by royalty payments to Wal-Mart
Asda has defended royalty payments made to parent Wal-Mart after reports over the weekend highlighted the money transferred to the US retail giant.
The Sunday Times said Asda had paid almost GBP780m (US$1.25bn) to Wal-Mart over the last seven years. It reported the payments reduced Asda's profits and claimed had cut the UK's second-largest retailer's tax bill by nearly GBP250m.
The newspaper said the payments meant Asda had joined the likes of Apple and eBay in having their "avoidance of tax" under scrutiny.
However, an Asda spokesperson told just-food: "I'd like to make it clear that there is no question as to whether Asda is under scrutiny over the avoidance of tax. We are not. We paid GBP163m in corporation tax in 2011 and have paid over GBP886m in the last five years.
The GM debate has re-emerged in the UK in the last couple of weeks with the news four major supermarket operators will allow their suppliers to use GM feed for poultry and eggs....
- Analysis: Is Heinz, Kraft merger "a growth story"?
- M&A Watch: Who could be on 3G Capital's radar?
- The challenges awaiting ConAgra's new CEO
- Viewpoint: Faber-led Danone gets realistic
- Focus: Can Mars gain share in Indian chocolate?
- UPDATE: Heinz, Kraft strike merger agreement
- Fatal explosion at French desserts firm Senagral
- Kraft "in buyout talks" with Heinz owner 3G
- Infographic: Heinz, Kraft unveil combined business
- Buffett: Kraft Heinz to withstand health focus


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Custom integrators might need to partner with automakers such as Mercedes-Benz to gain access to vehicles to test smart-home connectivity.
Oct 28, 2020
Product Briefs Samsung
Samsung Electronics of America has announced that its Samsung QLED TV has been named the official television of the Los Angeles Rams. This announcement follows the recent news of Samsung and Hollywood Park’s multi-year partnership agreement to be
Oct 27, 2020
The WM85R 85-inch Interactive Display is the new flagship solution of Samsung Businesses’ Smart Signage product line. Samsung Businesses‘ latest product joins the company’s 55- and 65-inch models, and according to Samsung, the Smart
Oct 22, 2020
Samsung Electronics America has just introduced a new commercial, outdoor line of LED displays: the XPR-B series. According to the company, its “LED in a box” line of products are designed for use by small- and medium-sized businesses tha
Oct 05, 2020
Tom Leblanc, director of industry outreach and media channels for the NSCA, led a panel that included Aaron Cowden and David Phelps on the growing resimercial market.


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By Sahil Patel
YouTube and DreamWorks Animation are teaming up to launch a new daily show called “YouTube Nation.” As we first reported last summer, “YouTube Nation” will be a hosted program that covers the top trending videos, topics, and creators on the world’s biggest video site.
In our original report, we described how “YouTube Nation” was a pet project conceived by DreamWorks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg and YouTube content chief Robert Kyncl. Evidence of that can be seen throughout today’s announcement, which makes a point to note how “YouTube Nation” is the first daily series produced by DreamWorks Animation and the first daily program to use the YouTube brand.
“YouTube Nation” is executive produced by Steve Woolf and Zadi Diaz. It will post new episodes (five minutes each) every weekday morning at 9pm ET, pulling together “a rich mix of videos, themed playlists, channel creator highlights, and fan feedback.” DreamWorks will oversee all aspects of production, including editorial and video curation, while YouTube will manage ad sales and marketing — which should further confirm that there is a serious effort underway to make this collaboration work.
The show will be hosted by Jacob Soboroff, a co-host and producer on Pivot TV’s “TakePart Live.” Soboroff was also a founding host and producer for HuffPost Live, AOL and Huffington Post’s online streaming news network, so he has some experience in leading this type of programming both online and on TV.
As a curator of the top stuff on YouTube, “YouTube Nation” will also help drive viewership to other channels and creators on the platform, according to both Katzenberg and Kyncl:
“‘YouTube Nation’ will shine a light on the platform’s most exciting content and creators, giving videos and channels the best opportunity to grow larger and more dedicated audiences,” said DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg. “We could not ask for better partners in this new venture than the innovative team at YouTube, who have worked hand-in-hand with us to create a show that not only serves both consumers and creators, but also strives to be great entertainment.”
“It’s exciting to see the creative, visionary team from DreamWorks Animation bring their expertise and passion to YouTube to showcase the videos that define trends and pop culture moments around the world,” said Robert Kyncl, YouTube’s head of content and business operations. “The people at DreamWorks Animation are ideal producers of this show: They really understand the YouTube space, highlighted by their acquisition of AwesomenessTV last year. We’re always looking for new, innovative ways to promote and drive traffic to our partner channels and see ‘YouTube Nation’ as a great opportunity to help viewers discover great content which will surprise and delight.”
On this front, we’ve heard from several creators that YouTube has already been in touch with them to provide clips to use in the show.
This positioning of “YouTube Nation” as a traffic-driver could also help assuage concerns among the YouTube community that the show would compete directly with similarly formatted programs, like Ray William Johnson’s “=3” and Phil DeFranco’s “The Philip DeFranco Show.” (Though, incidentally, both of these creators plan to end their flagship shows in 2014.)
As an added bonus for viewers, YouTube will also make the show available in Ultra HD. This is the first YouTube-based program to take advantage of this new capability, which YouTube announced just last week during CES.
“YouTube Nation” will launch tomorrow morning with Verizon on board as the presenting sponsor.


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As Chinatowns have been devastated by the pandemic, it has become essential to share reminders of how much these places matter to all of us. Here are the stories of why that is very much so.
Read More ›
The Hit List Houston
November’s upon us, and you know what that means: the holiday season has officially begun! And there’s no better way…
By Vickie An November 1, 2021
New on Resy Houston
From incredible sushi omakase to a haven for Spanish tapas, the October edition of New on Resy has you covered…
By Resy Staff October 14, 2021
Resy powers the world’s best restaurants, using technology to imagine the future of hospitality.
© 2023 Resy Network, Inc.


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After conducting a soft launch in Australia earlier this year, a new supplier of Russian cut diamonds has announced its official entry into the local market....
Michael Hill International has reported flat first quarter sales for the current fiscal year as it continues to trial its new jewellery brand’s retail...
Uberkate is said to have taken personalised jewellery to the next level with the launch of a new service that allows for an exact replica of a handwritten...
Citizen Watch has implemented its first global advertising campaign in order to communicate a single, consistent brand message to consumers.
Jewellery retailers Cartier and Tiffany & Co have once again made it into a global ranking of the world’s best brands.
India’s peak jewellery industry body has strenuously denied reports of heavy discounting by Indian diamond suppliers caused by a “liquidity...
Pastiche is on the money.
Paterson Fine Jewellery offers a signet ring.
Worth & Douglas makes tracks.
Cudworth Enterprises unveils cross pendants.
Buddha to Buddha has an edgy new look.
Jewellery retailers Cartier and Tiffany & Co have once again made it into a global ranking of the world’s best brands. [read...]
Uberkate is said to have taken personalised jewellery to the next level with the launch of a new service that allows for an exact replica of a handwritten message to be engraved onto a piece of jewellery. [read...]
Jewellery once belonging to Agatha Christie has sold at auction for more than 400 times the amount paid by a woman who unknowingly acquired the items after purchasing an old suitcase. [read...]
All sales teams make mistakes but what if it’s the sales manager who is causing these errors? Gretchen Gordon lists some common behavioural errors perpetrated by sales managers that directly affect sales.
Bold, statement pieces have dominated the fashion jewellery landscape for years but a completely different aesthetic is beginning to mark its territory and consumers are taking note. Are you?
Much can be learnt about building the perfect customer service experience from seemingly non-related industries. Adam Toporek takes to the high seas in search of service tips.
After years of speculation and rumour, Apple has finally thrown its hat into the smartwatch ring with the release of the much anticipated Apple Watch – but will it affect the traditional watch market?
Although the future may not look bright for many manufacturing-based industries, Stephanie Chan discovered that’s not the case for JAA design award jewellers.
Brand ambassadors were once chosen for their beauty and popularity but Tennille Secomb discovers that no longer cuts it with today’s consumers. Technology has paved the way for a new kind of flag-bearer altogether.
Saturday, 25 October, 2014 08:15am
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How could this be: A 100-year-old government consulting firm that's always taken its marching orders from Uncle Sam, investing its own money in the big ideas of the underfunded?
It actually makes perfect sense, said Karen Dahut, Booz Allen's executive vice president who leads the company's strategic innovation group. And it's just one possibility that might come of the company's partnership with downtown technology startup hub 1776 announced Monday.
"Sure, selfishly we may see something cool and say we want to invest. We can do that," she told me in an interview. "But more importantly, we create the channel to bring that idea to the Department of Energy, [or] Transportation. That only helps us at the end of the day."
What Booz Allen (NYSE: BAH) is not out to do is find the next cool technology via 1776, buy the company out and pull it under its own umbrella. That's not to say it couldn't ever happen, but it's not the goal. Rather, the company hopes to identify startups that offer solutions that could really do some good for Booz Allen clients, be they federal, commercial or international, but that have been unable to navigate the market morass on their own.
That's where Booz Allen comes in, providing the channel and experience to get those solutions in front of the customers.
But how? The company actually hosted its holiday party at 1776, inviting young startups to come in and pitch their ideas to company leaders. Dahut says that's the energy Booz Allen hopes to tap through the partnership — the feeling among the younger generation that there's nothing preventing them from having a good idea and bringing it to market.
"What's so awesome about 1776 as an incubator is that they're truly focused on a niche — startups that want to do business with the federal government," she said. "The approach matches our own. It's about bringing together unique talent, that may never have found each other otherwise."
Booz Allen is also working on similar partnerships with incubators on the West Coast. Dahut also noted interest in the recently announced Beespace in New York — a concept similar to 1776, but providing space for young nonprofits.
The company declined to disclose how much it might invest in startups, citing competitive reasons.
"Yes, this is about hearing ideas and investing. But it's also about creating an ecosystem for the federal government to capitalize on that startup mentality," Dahut said.
Ecosystem: Even Dahut admits that it's a very nebulous term. But it's the only one she feels captures what Booz Allen is trying to do to reinvent itself. I reported about the company's revamped operating model — dubbed Vision 2020 — about a year ago. That's when the company stood up its new innovation group and brought Dahut in to run it.
And it extends internally as well. Booz Allen employees have what's known as "the garage," where they can submit ideas. The best of those ideas make it to the "combustion chamber," Booz Allen's version of ABC's "Shark Tank," where the staffers pitch the concepts to a leadership panel, which decides whether or not to invest. If yes, the employees get money to go off and accelerate the idea forward.
"At the end of the day, we're trying to build the businesses of the future," Dahut said. "We still have to deliver and operate our business of today. But clients are willing to pay for these new approaches. The next question is, are we able to change the way a client views us, based on the innovations we bring forward? We don't know that yet. But that's part of why we're doing this. If the client looks at Booz Allen this way, we are saying, 'No, now look at us this way instead.'"


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Éxito Full-Year 2021 Profits Double Year-on-Year
Medellin-based multinational supermarket and dry-goods retailer Grupo Éxito announced February 21 that its full-year 2021 net profit soared by 105% year-on-year, to COP$474 billion (US$120 million).
Operating income for 2021 rose 7.5% year-on-year, to COP$16.9 trillion (US$4.3 billion), “marked by important macroeconomic and operational recoveries” not only in Colombia, but also in Argentina and Uruguay.
In Colombia, sales rose 5.5% year-on-year, to COP$12.3 trillion (US$3.1 billion), “driven by the performance of innovative store formats, omnichannel sales and the recovery of the real estate and financial businesses,” according to Éxito.
Consolidated recurring earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose 20.7% year-on-year, to COP$1.5 trillion (US$381 million), with an EBITDA margin of 9.1%.
Electronic and direct-delivery channels in Colombia represented 11.9% of sales, totaling COP$1.5 trillion (US$381 million) in 2021, and 9.9% of sales corporate-wide.
“By 2022, the company will continue with the expansion plan for its innovative formats (Éxito Wow, Carulla FreshMarket, Super Inter Vecino, Surtimayorista and Surtimax) renewing between 50 and 60 stores in Colombia and six hypermarkets operated by ‘La 14,’” according to Éxito.
“Innovative formats increased their sales share to 33.3% in Colombia. By brand, ‘Éxito Wow’ stores accounted for 29.6% of sales, ‘Carulla FreshMarket’ 45.1%, ‘Super Inter Vecino’ 47.7% and ‘Surtimayorista,’ which accounted for 4.6% of the company’s sales.
“The operation in Uruguay registered a recurring EBITDA margin of 10.2% and continued as the most profitable operation of the Group. Omnichannel sales grew 9.8% in local currency and represented 3.6% of total sales in that country.
“In Argentina, the operation had significant growth in revenues (+46.8%) in local currency, marked by the recovery of consumption and the real estate businesses. EBITDA margin reached 3.4%, almost twice that registered in 2020,” the company added.
While 2021 delivered solid results corporate-wide, “in Colombia, the beginning of the year was complex, affected by warehouse closures and the national strike,” explained Grupo Éxito president Carlos Mario Giraldo.
“In Uruguay, we had the worst tourist season, and in Argentina we faced a difficult macroeconomic situation.
“However, the Group quickly adapted [thanks to] strengthening of our digital strategy, supported by our network of warehouses, consolidation of our innovative formats and the recovery of businesses in real estate and finance,” he added.


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Nikon USA and Nikon EU has released new firmware update for Nikon D4. This firmware version is A:1.10 / B:1.10. You can download through links below:
Sony Japan has announced the new firmware updates for Sony A7 and A7R full frame mirrorless cameras. You will be able to update this firmware on March 19, 2014.
First firmware update for Sony QX10 & QX100 lens camera now released. You can download through links below:
Canon USA just released a new firmware update for Canon EOS 7D. This firmware version is V 2.0.5.
Nikon released the firmware updates for Nikon D3100, Nikon D3200, Nikon D5100, Nikon D5200 and Nikon P7700.
Read More »
Canon USA has just released a new firmware update for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III.


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Are you going to Daytona Bike Week this year? Well, if you are, you can meet the editors of American Iron Magazine and even win Editor’s Choice at the 2015 Editor’s Choice Bike Show brought to you by J&P Cycles. The Editor’s Choice will take place at the Broken Spoke Saloon on Tuesday, March 10, with […]
The long-awaited, completely new Indian Motorcycle engine will make its debut to members of the press and motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world.
The editors and photographers from American Iron Magazine, Motorcycle Bagger and RoadBike will be in Daytona for Bike Week looking for custom and classic motorcycles to photograph and feature in our magazines.
V-Rod Daytona updated custom motorcycle news. Are you a fan of Harley V-Rod motorcycles? Good news if you are. There will be a free informal gathering, supported by Harley-Davidson on Beach Street starting at 7:30 am on Thursday, March 14. Let’s hope the sun is up in time for this gathering.
Every year the AMA holds this breakfast in Daytona during Bike Week and I am surprised at how few people are even aware of this fund raising event open to the public. This year it was held on Friday at the swanky 500 Club facility in the infield of the Daytona International Speedway track. The guest speaker was Erik Buell who gave a wonderful recounting of his history with motorcycles, racing and Harley-Davidson. He also unveiled his stunning and technologically leading new street motorcycle. It is limited to a 100 bike production worldwide.
American Iron Magazine has selected Brass Balls Bobbers & Choppers’ 69 Chopper is the Official Bike Week Motorcycle for 2011 . Each year for the last 16 years, the Daytona Beach Community Foundation holds a drawing for the Official Bike Week Motorcycle. Fifty dollars ($50) enters you into the drawing. Since there are only 4500 tickets […]


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Marks & Spencer’s introduces groundbreaking food package to extend fruit shelf life
M&S established a technique that will see the retail industry save 800,000 strawberries in the coming season. It involves an 8cm by4.5cm plaster-style strip manufactured by British firm, It’s Fresh.
It is estimated that this measure will reduce food waste by 40,000 punnets a week, totalling up to 800,000 strawberries, by prolonging their shelf life in the fridge with two additional days.
M&S promises to move forward with their sustainability policy to compete with all other supermarkets in becoming the most sustainable major retailer by 2014. Today, M&S revealed their revolutionary packaging that will avoid food waste in the hope of becoming a key example for other supermarket chains to follow.
A mixture of clay and minerals are patented in the strip, which absorb ethylene. Ethylene is a hormone that causes fruit to ripen and then turn mouldy. The addition of the strip during production will come at no additional cost to the consumer. This package is now firstly available to strawberries and will soon be produced for other food products.
“This technology is a win-win for our customers,” said Hugh Mowat, an agronomist at M&S. “Not only will their strawberries taste better for longer, but we really hope it will help them reduce their food waste as they no longer need to worry about eating as soon as they buy them.”
The British strawberry season starts from April and M&S gets around 1mln punnets per week during this period. This type of technology will help drop the levels of supermarket carbon footprint and will at the same time increase logistic benefits of strawberries that are imported from Egypt, Morocco, Spain and Israel.
Supermarkets such as ASDA had a similar idea last year to prolong freshness in the produces on their shelves, but abandoned it due to additional costs to their production. However, it is a topic that cannot be avoided as the government are urging companies to cut waste from their stores to a minimum.
It’s Fresh Director Simon Lee said: “Reducing food waste is a huge mandate for retailers. Improving shelf life and quality means people will be more satisfied with a product and ultimately consume more of it.”


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Nio EV deliveries rise 30% to a file in November, XPeng’s tumbles 60%
Nio Inc. reported Thursday that November deliveries that surged to a file month-to-month complete, outpacing rival China-based electrical automobile makers by a large margin.
The corporate stated it delivered 14,178 EVs in November, up 30.3% from a 12 months in the past. The deliveries included 8,003 SUVs and 6,175 sedans, which consisted of three,207 ET7s and a pair of,968 ET5s.
stated it has now delivered a complete of 273,741 EVs as of Nov. 30, and plans to speed up manufacturing and deliveries in December.
The inventory pulled again 1.2% in premarket buying and selling, after hovering 21.7% Wednesday. The inventory climbed 32.2% in November, the very best month-to-month efficiency because it soared 65.2% in November 2020, as buyers cheered current strikes China has made to ease COVID restrictions.
Nio’s inventory pullback comes because the Invesco Golden Dragon China exchange-traded fund fell 1.5% in Thursday’s premarket, after rocketing a month-to-month file 41.8% in November. And S&P 500 index
edged up 0.1% forward of the open, after the index jumped 3.1% on Wednesday and gained 5.4% in November.
Beijing-based Li Auto Inc.
stated it delivered a month-to-month file 15,034 EVs in November, 11.5% greater than it did in the identical month final 12 months. The corporate has delivered a complete of 236,101 EVs as of the tip of the month.
The inventory slumped 4.1% forward of the open, however that adopted an 18.7% run up on Wednesday and 61.5% rally in November.
In the meantime, Guangzhou-based XPeng Inc.
stated it delivered 5,811 EVs to clients in November, because it “mitigated challenges introduced by COVID-related restrictions and disruptions.” That was down 62.8% from the 15,613 EVs delivered in November 2021.
It’s no marvel that whereas Nio and Li each reported year-over-year adjustments in November deliveries, XPeng didn’t report the year-over-year efficiency.
XPeng stated that it has delivered 109,465 EVs 12 months so far by Nov. 30, up 33% from the comparable interval final 12 months. And the corporate stated it expects deliveries will “considerably enhance” in December, because the manufacturing ramp-up of G9s accelerates underneath “normalized” working circumstances.
XPeng’s inventory slid 5.1% in Thursday’s premarket, after it soared a one-day file 47.3% on Wednesday, regardless of reporting a wider-than-expected third-quarter loss. It hiked up 63.3% in November.


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Manufacturer NAI is helping companies in the industrial technology, telecom, data and medical sectors deal with the accelerating tariff dispute with China.
NAI said that companies are relocating the sourcing of their procurements to North American product facilities due to the conflict.
The company, which designs and makes electro-mechanical assemblies such as box build, panel build and terminal block assemblies, says it is participating in this response. It has a half-million square feet of capacity in the U.S. and can accommodate companies that want to move production to this market. Most recently, it began production in Gaylord, Michigan.
"Many connectivity suppliers do not have the North American production options that NAI has, so we have become a significant resource for customers," said Bill Miller, NAI's vice president of sales and marketing, in a blog. In response, he said, some companies are offering NAI business in Asia for ales to local communities there.
One of the most notable elements of the tariff battle between the U.S. and a number of other countries is just how unpredictable it is. What will happen and the impact of those events may be unknown for quite a while.
Ariel Rubin, the VP of tower development for Vertical Bridge Holdings, told FierceWireless in late June that steel prices have increased in the 8% to 22%-24% range. Rubin couldn't directly pin the increases to the tariff battle, however. Other steel companies have seen increases as well. Connect-It Wireless reported it has had increases of 16%, which has resulted in prices hikes of 5%.
The road ahead is long and uncertain. Moody's Investors Service said in a report that tensions between the two huge economies are likely to escalate during the balance of 2018. They will have a "negative but manageable impact on global growth" according to a story on the report in the Indian site DNA.
Elena Duggar, the chair of Moody's Macroeconomic Board and co-author of the report, is quoted as saying that further steps are expected by the U.S., China and other countries. The impact on global growth inflation is expected by Moody's to be "manageable," but reactions by the markets or erosion of confidence could make the impact more significant.
The longer term issue, which is hinted at in NAI's statement, is potential permanent impact of the tariff battle. If companies that rely on materials and parts from other countries are forced to make new arrangements, such as those hinted at by NAI, there is no guarantee that they will return to the fold once the situation settles. Miller's NAI statement could be taken to mean that companies may be better off doing the work where the finished products will be sold.


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Back Alley Gallery now in vogue for fashion event Thread
UPDATE: TICKET prices for the Thread fashion event have been reduced to $50 for seated tickets and $30 for standing tickets. Tickets for people aged under 18 are now $40 seated or $20 standing.
Seated tickets include canapes and drinks.
Original report: LISMORE'S off-kilter sartorial splendour is part of our city's endearing attraction, according to local designer Jennifer McLennan, who will be showing her vintage-inspired Miss Mildred collection at the inaugural Thread 2014 event at the Back Alley Gallery.
The retired deputy principal, who swapped the classroom for the sewing room recently, says her bright, vintage-inspired fashion label, which shirks mainstream fashion in favour of natural fibres and classic post-war cuts, reflects our small city's idiosyncratic personality.
"I think Lismore is wonderful," she said. "Everywhere you look there are people who develop their own character."
Thread 2014 will showcase 20 local designers against the urban Back Alley Gallery. It has attracted former Big Brother host and fashionista Gretel Killeen as the celebrity MC.
The inaugural fashion spectacular on Saturday, October 11, will also feature local retailers with new-season looks as well as fashions by young up-and-coming designers from TAFE's Fashion and Costume Course.
Joining Killeen will be social media sensations the No Frills Twins plus Byron's Dancing Man and happiness generator, the inspiring Tommy Franklin.
It's hoped Thread will become an annual event. There will be stars, fashion, champagne, canapes, music, friends and fun. Proceeds from the night will support local charity Under the Red Dress, an organisation dedicated to raising awareness about cancer and helping female cancer survivors with body image issues and wellbeing. The new event is supported by the Lismore Business Panel, Lismore City Council, the Stella Network and the Lismore Chamber of Commerce.
Tickets are $100 seated and $65 standing.
WIN A PASS
Simply answer: Thread is supporting which charity?
Ring 6620 0521 between 10-10.15am tomorrow (Friday) for your chance to win.


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For entrepreneurs who seek to engage in international business, it is important to keep abreast of developments in other countries. Political problems, exchange rates, and legislation may affect the business climate when engaged in international business. The most recent shake up in international legal requirements seems to have risen from “Brexit” and what it means for those doing business with the United Kingdom, European Union, and United States. Brexit (which comes from the merger of “Britain” and “Exit”) is the UK’s vote to leave the European Union. While this decision has had repercussions on the value of the British Pound, Euro, and U.S. Dollar, it also serves to show that the UK will no longer be bound by the European Union’s rules or regulations. So, what law applies now? How soon will the United Kingdom be unbound from the European Union’s rules or regulations? What should American businesses take out of this referendum?
What does “Brexit” do?
The UK has voted to leave the European Union as part of a referendum voted on by its citizens. The EU is an economic and political partnership between various member states, sharing a common currency, with the exception of the United Kingdom, which uses the British Pound. The EU imposes certain restrictions when working with member states (e.g., Privacy Shield, Digital Single Market initiative). It serves to allow the free movement of people between member states. However, Brexit does not mean that right now, the UK has officially separated from the European Union. Brexit has set in motion the process to fully remove the United Kingdom from the European Union. It needs to invoke “Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty,” to initiate the process, which grants both sides two years to negotiate the terms and conditions. Essentially, the referendum will start the process, but does not remove the United Kingdom from the European Union immediately.
What should entrepreneurs keep in mind about Brexit?
For the Americans involved in international commerce, the important thing to keep in mind is that “Brexit” while official, has not yet taken effect. Given that, and the negotiations needed under Article 50, the end result may be that some aspects of the EU still apply to the UK, while others may not remain applicable. Furthermore, as the UK can negotiate different trade deals, it’s possible that current restrictions, like the Privacy Shield, may not apply when dealing with the UK, unless similar legislation is passed in the country. However, this new change could favor investors and new businesses, as the United Kingdom may seek to make itself more competitive on the international stage, loosening restrictions towards Americans. Furthermore, it may be a boon to those investing in the UK and EU, due to the fall in their currency values. Essentially, the U.S. Dollar would become stronger compared to the British Pound and Euro, allowing international investments to move quicker when compared to national investments.
At our law firm, we assist clients with legal issues related to business, intellectual property, and e-commerce transactions. You may contact us to set up an initial consultation.


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With plans out today of launching Nexus 7 ‘3G’ variant in around next six weeks, FocusTaiwan reports that Google’s Nexus 7 through the country’s top three operators – Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile and Far EasTone Telecommunications — have started taking pre-orders. The device will be available for a price of TW$8,990 (around $300), with headphones and shipping comes free of cost as part of promotion. Earlier, late last month, Google starts availing the device in France, Germany and Spain. There are no words on when the device will be available in other parts of the world, but will keep an eye over on it, and will inform as soon as we get more updates.
I2Mag, an Internet & Design Inspiration Magazine having emphasis on empowering and inspiring people by spreading the waves of knowledge. I2Mag is an independent news source dedicated to covering start-ups, reviewing internet products, social media, digital culture and technology news.
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Want to get paid $1,000 to drink coffee?
Java junkies, listen up.
Business.org is looking for someone to swap their Starbucks habit for their caffeine fix from a local coffee shop for one month. The gig pays $1,000.
Here's what you have to do:
- Be a self-professed Starbucks addict
- Commit to visiting only local coffee shops for 30 days
- Visit at least eight locally owned shops and take a photo of your cup at each one
- Write a short summary of your experiences going local
- Be willing to share your experiences on social media
The company is offering the job as part of its Shop Local campaign to support small businesses, which also will include pizza and holiday challenges.
Business.org says 82 percent of businesses that fail cite a lack of cash flow, so encourage Americans to frequent local businesses and promoting the benefits of supporting local shops.
“Our team is comprised of small-business enthusiasts who are committed to supporting entrepreneurs. That’s why we decided to create the Business.org Pays You to Shop Local campaign to raise awareness for the importance of supporting local businesses. The first initiative in our campaign is set on finding someone who we’ll pay $1,000 to ditch Starbucks for a whole month and support local coffee shops in their community instead. The goals of this initiative are to inspire more people to opt for local coffee and gather firsthand insight into the differences between corporate coffee joints and smaller shops,” says Micah Pratt, manager of Business.org
If you want to apply, hurry! Applications are being accepted through Sept. 30. Business.org says you can make your application stand out by sending a video showing off your love of coffee and explaining why you're ready to make a change.
For more information or to apply, visit business.org/finance/accounting/drink-local-coffee.
Ilana Keller: Twitter: @ilanakeller; 732-643-4260; firstname.lastname@example.org


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Gilead has set the sale price of the drug for governments of developed countries at 390 a vial, meaning that a typical five-day treatment of. Customersthere can't afford drugs at pharmacies due to the high prices or because they lack health insurance. On the street, they can buy painkillers, anti-. Global drug markets reported fluctuations in pricing, availability, transportation, and distribution of Mexican black tar heroin (the most prevalent. Defense attorneys admitted the agreements existed but said they were not illegal, did not limit the free market and in some cases increased. Some say they have been forced to pay exorbitant prices for the drug - many of those ending up at a medicine market in old Delhi. You can see the difference that negotiations make even in the price of black market drugs. market. Medicare is banned from negotiating prices with drug makers. If they got a whiff that a "life-saving" drug was being withheld because of price concerns, they'd insist on it even more. In the market of.
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Customers there can't afford drugs at pharmacies due to the high prices or because they lack health insurance. On the street, they can buy. This Heroin-Using Professor Wants to Change How We Think About Drugs. Price Of Black Market Drugs R Darknet Market Reddit Darknet Market List 2024. Adverse tiering can cost HIV-positive individuals (of whom 87 percent were Latinx, Black, or of multiple races in 2024) enrolled in such a plan. Likewise, the cost of essential drugs has also risen dramatically. For example, the highest price for 100mg of Remdesivir in India was quoted by. As daily cases of COVID-19 surge, a drug repurposed to treat the viral infection is reportedly being sold on the black market for four times. Black Market Hospital Beds and Price-Gouged COVID Drugs Selling on Indian Twitter. SELLING OUT. Furthermore, inflation cap reforms would apply to the private market, preventing exorbitant drug price price of black market drugs Research from GoodRx shows.
The street value of prescription drugs can vary according to the type of States turn to the black market for prescription medications. The costs of black market hormones vary widely. People will charge anywhere from 50 to 350 for a single shot of estrogen, Goldstein told ABC. By S Casswell drug-user crime caused by dark markets malaysia inflated black market prices for drugs. the risk of victimisation faced by buyers and sellers forced to transact in a criminal market. The Price of Denial Eva Bertram, Morris Blachman, Kenneth Sharpe, Drug - control efforts have succeeded in raising the black - market price for drugs. All drugs cost money, but some are pricier than others. alcohol purchase may be less expensive than a comparable black market drug. Drug Prices Drive Many Americans to Black Market for Medicines Uninsured patients find riskier alternatives to prescriptions Diabetics trade. 24 thg 11, 2024 While darknet gained notoriety as a place to buy drugs and is a Listed below are black market prices that have been collected from.
Bitcoin Dark Web
Ukraine, claims that certain drug delivery channels are operated by police as avenues for extortion. The FBI price of black market drugs said in a statement its work "to seize AlphaBay’s servers and shut down the site" was assisted by "authorities in Thailand, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France, along with the European law enforcement agency Europol. Read More of the article Dream Market Vendor "Rackjaw2" Sentenced to Prison Lifting the Hood: Shocking Stories of Abu Ghraib Prisoners (2007) - As the 'hooded man' in the infamous Abu Ghraib pictures, Haj Ali became an icon of everything that was wrong with the US occupation. Regardless, an unstoppable online black-market will certainly become an important issue for society to decide how to act upon it for the next few years. USDC, the user would be unable to borrow more than $500 USD. This is secondhand, but she was clearly disturbed by what was an increasingly prevalent issue in our price of black market drugs college town.
Please keep in mind that for auto delivered items, Purchase Message is the first and the only message buyer receives automatically, after purchase is confirmed. Deep Web Pastebin (Onion Links 2021) On the deep web, these websites serve to share pastes "code, texts, etc. The inability for a male to achieve or maintain an price of black market drugs erection suitable for intercourse; also known as impotency.


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Bezos's comments give a rare glimpse into his interest in the auto industry. Amazon recently invested in two self-driving start-ups.Technologyread more
While investing often seems like a contrarian game where going against the flow feels like the better bet, the reality is that investors who bought the most-favored stocks...Hedge Fundsread more
"We are now embarking on a new Long March, and we must start all over again!" Xi Jinping said.Marketsread more
The launch comes as Apple's laptops have been criticized for a keyboard design that users say breaks easily and results in key presses resulting in doubled-up characters or...Tech Driversread more
Craig Irwin of Roth Capital Partners said Apple tried to buy Tesla six years ago for a higher price than where the stock now trades.Technologyread more
The White House has threatened to slap tariffs on apparel and footwear, leading retailers to speak out about how this would hurt business.Retailread more
Connecticut state Sen. Alex Bergstein's divorce case with her husband, Morgan Stanley managing director Seth Bergstein, has exposed her new romantic relationship with her...Politicsread more
Stock pickers are having their best year in a decade, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch.Marketsread more
Comcast is working on a device to monitor people's health at home, as well as some media and communications services, according to people familiar with the plans.Technologyread more
As shopping has shifted online and styles have evolved, Ascena has been grappling with sagging sales and a large debt-load. Looking to stem the losses, Ascena is turning to...Retailread more
Binky Chadha, chief equity strategist at the firm, expects the market to pull back over the next three months before quickly bouncing back up.Investingread more
China's upstart smartphone maker, Xiaomi, has overtaken Samsung as the biggest smartphone vendor in China, intensifying pressure on the South Korean technology company.
In the second quarter of this year, Xiaomi took a 14 percent market share in volume China – the world's largest smartphone market – knocking Samsung off the top spot for the first time since the end of 2011, according to research by Canalys.
The news comes after Samsung reported a larger-than-expected fall in second-quarter profit last week, citing slowing smartphone sales growth. In spite of being the world's largest smartphone vendor, increasing competition from low-cost Chinese vendors is taking its toll on Samsung where operating profits for the mobile business, its cash cow, .
Eight out of 10 of the top vendors in China are local companies, accounting for or a total of 70.7 million units and a 65 percent market share. Apple and Samsung are the only international players in China in the top 10 list.
"This is a phenomenal achievement for Xiaomi," Shanghai-based Canalys research analyst Jingwen Wang said in a press release.
"Undoubtedly this was helped by an anticipated, temporarily under-strength Samsung performance during the quarter. But that is only half the story - Xiaomi has also executed on its strategy to grow volume shipments. It has delivered compelling products at aggressive price points."
Will Xiaomi work outside of China?
Xiaomi laid down a further challenge to Apple and Samsung when it unveiled its Mi 4 smartphone with specs that rival its competitors' top-end offerings. But the Mi 4 will retail at around $320 for the 16 gigabyte model or $400 for the 64 gigabyte model, while Apple's iPhone 5s and Samsung's Galaxy S5 retail at around $649.
Nearly all (97 percent) of Xiaomi's smartphone sales were in mainland China, but the company is now looking to expand into markets including Mexico and Turkey. However, analysts warned it would face challenges with its business model.
Xiaomi's phones sell little over cost price and further savings are made by the fact that customers can only buy phones through the company's online shop. Xiaomi also has its own app store, but when it expands to other parts of the world, particularly Western markets, it would have to distribute its apps through Google Play, cutting out a key revenue stream.
"I am bullish in that I think if they keep pursuing the model of selling relatively high spec devices at low prices, then they will do well," Daniel Gleeson, mobile analyst at IHS, said in a phone interview.
"My issue is that I'm not sure that business model can work outside of China."
Apple had a strong year-on-year performance in China, with shipments up 58 percent in the second quarter. In December, Apple signed a deal with China Mobile, to bring its iPhones onto China's 4G network.
The Cupertino, California-based technology giant has been "insulated" from the challenges of China's local players because of its high-end offering.
"Apple and Xiaomi play in different price segments. Apple's brand is the primary reason why it has been insulated from problems affecting an awful lot of smartphone players because they are able to charge that premium," Gleeson said.
- By CNBC's Arjun Kharpal


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How is Australian wine facing up to the major crises of 2020/21? – TheBuyer.net
Australia has had comparatively few human casualties from Covid but the financial impact has been immense. The loss of international cellar door trade plus the tariffs imposed by China – as an indirect result of the pandemic – have been keenly felt. Add to this the bushfires and floods and you understand why the Australian Grape and Wine Authority says as many as 30% of the country’s 2,600 wineries could go under. Justin Keay talks to three family-run wine estates to see how they are faring and what they are doing to plan for an uncertain future in the week when Wine Australia launches its new CONNECT digital platform to help bring its producers closer together with wine buyers around the world.
“This growing diversity – regional, stylistic and philosophical – is, of course, why Australian wine today is such a different proposition from a few years ago,” writes Justin Keay.
This is an existential time for the world’s wine industry, with the fall in global trade, the ravages wrought by Covid 19, and the collapse in the on-trade in wealthy nations all having a major impact. Individual countries have had additional crosses to bear: Lebanon’s collapse into economic chaos, with the Lira losing 90% of its value in less than a year, is devastating a heavily import-dependent industry (everything from bottles, corks and labels upwards) whilst South Africa’s off/on alcohol sales and export bans has destroyed producer’s revenue stream there.
But what of Australia, such a long way from the fulcrum of the crises battering the world?
Despite localised lockdowns, the Lucky Country has had a ‘good pandemic’, whilst years of investment in an economy that until last year enjoyed over 20 years of unbroken GDP growth, has generally left its wine industry in buoyant health. Clever producers have consolidated market share at entry level (think Yellowtail and McGuigan) whilst higher-end winemakers have been eschewing oak for fresher and more expressive styles reflecting local conditions and soil. Defining itself by growing regionality and moving away from the French varieties that were once almost ubiquitous here, Australian wine is rightly getting more critical acclaim than ever before.
Yet 2020 was rough. With Australia arguably more impacted by climate change than any other country, producers have had to deal with drought, fire damage and smoke – Wine Australia reckons almost 5% of the national grape crop in 2019-20 was lost this way after the devastating bushfires – and now flood, with Hunter Valley just one of many regions finding itself underwater this month.
And despite the admirable low number of human casualties, Covid 19 has in fact impacted heavily, with restrictions and the absence of tourists hitting cellar door sales hard: last April the Australian Grape and Wine Authority said as many as 30% of the country’s 2600 wineries could go under.
And then there’s the impact of Australia’s grim diplomatic face-off with China, resulting from Canberra’s suggestion there should be a proper international investigation into the origins of the pandemic and its protests at China’s suppression of human rights in Hong Kong and amongst the Uighur Muslims. Beijing’s subsequent tariffs increase the price of a typical Australian bottle in China and Hong Kong by over 200% – potentially devastating given that China was the industry’s biggest export market, accounting for 37% of the total, or $800m. Big names like Penfolds are worst hit but all producers will be struggling to compensate even if they didn’t sell to China, as they fight off increased competition from those who did.
So as 2021 gets underway, what’s the mood? How do producers – particularly the smaller ones – see the future? And do they think international consumer perceptions of Australian wine are changing? I spoke to three premium family-run wineries in three different states to get an idea.
(. . .)
Moss Wood in West Australia’s Margaret River
Almost 3000 kilometres further west, in Margaret River, West Australia, Keith Mugford, owner and winemaker at Moss Wood – the second winery in this region – is also pretty phlegmatic about climate change. A bigger worry has been the potential loss of sales because of the new Chinese tariffs.
“Despite being there since 2006, our sales have only been small, for all sorts of price and strategic reasons. Hong Kong is more frustrating. Our sales there go back to the 1980s. It’s been a good market for us and disappointing the future is now so uncertain,” he says, adding that he will “be happy to pick up the threads” if things improve.
He says the British market has been Moss Wood’s biggest and most reliable since exports started back in 1985.
“It seems British consumers enjoy our wines and we always try to be consistent with style and quality. I hope we can continue this and retain as many existing customers as possible but also promote effectively and introduce new customers to our individual vineyard wines,” he says, adding that Moss Wood is moving towards minimal intervention and further reducing environmental impact.
So is Australian wine changing?
Mugford says Moss Wood has never been a “big oak” producer but reckons there have been wider changes, with Chardonnay made in a leaner, finer style, which he reckons consumers appreciate. With reds generally, and Shiraz in particular, he thinks the picture is more nuanced.
“The popularity of ripe Shiraz continues and there are still “big” wines being made. There are, however, an interesting range of wines which display much more restraint and elegance. Given the range of climates in which it’s grown, this is hardly a surprise. The Barossa Valley celebrates its ability to produce generous, fully-ripened wines, expressing the rich end of the Shiraz spectrum, while southern Victoria makes in a more elegant, complex style.”
This growing diversity – regional, stylistic and philosophical – is, of course, why Australian wine today is such a different proposition from a few years ago. An industry once defined by brands and standardisation has become something much more sophisticated, which is why it will ride out its current challenges and continue to evolve.
(. . .)
One of Margaret River’s earliest and most iconic producers, famed for its Cabernet Sauvignon but also great Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Semillon.
“We try to make wine which consistently presents the individual style of our vineyard and, at the same time, captures the essence of each new vintage”. (Keith Mugford)
Moss Wood 2019 Chardonnay
Youthful yes, but this has a wonderful depth of flavour and character I wasn’t expecting. Perfectly balanced, apple, pear and honeysuckle flavours supported by light oak. Destined to mature wonderfully, if you have the patience.
Moss Wood 2019 Amy’s
Baby sister to Moss Wood’s iconic Cabernet, this has been dubbed “Australia’s best value red” and you can taste why immediately: dry, deep dark cassis, great wood integration and long palate persistence make this a steal (. . .).
Moss Wood 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Still very young, this is a remarkably layered and complex Cab, with red and dark berry flavours supported by soft oak and warm tannins. Very dark coloured and (. . .) well priced for such sophistication.
Moss Wood 2020 Semillon
The first wine I’ve tasted produced anywhere from that fateful year is actually a real cracker, with a light almost ethereal nose and palate which widens a few hours after opening to reveal green apple, pear and sherbet flavours. Very young obviously but the potential for real development here is considerable.
Moss Wood 2018 Pinot Noir
Light and well balanced, this is a fruit-driven wine with predominantly red fruit and a surprisingly rich middle palate supported by good oak and balanced tannins. Very distinctive Margaret River Pinot.


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Rolf Haag spent 14 years solving global payments problems at PayPal and Western Union before coming to Bitpay. Here, he explains why he joined the team and why BitPay and Bitcoin will help solve global payment problems.
ATLANTA — December 6, 2017— Blockchain payments technology platform BitPay announced today that it is raising $30M in a strategic Series B funding round led by Aquiline Technology Growth (ATG), a fund managed by Aquiline Capital Partners that invests
It's 2017, six years after we started BitPay and nearly nine years since the Bitcoin experiment began. If you've not been living under a rock, you've seen that the bitcoin price and daily transaction count have taken to
Today we announced a new addition to BitPay's board of directors in Carl Stern, formerly CEO of Boston Consulting Group. Read the full announcement and see how Carl will be working with us as we plan for continued